Below is exactly what Tennessee Board of Dentistry requires: mandatory topics, exemptions, accepted credit types, and documentation rules.
Compiled by Atlas CME from official board sources · Last updated July 4, 2026
For Dentists, 40 hours is the total CME requirement. Tennessee also requires a set of one-time topics that count toward the 40-hour total.
“hours of the forty (40) hour requirement shall pertain to chemical dependency education”
“successful completion of a BLS for Healthcare Providers, or CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, or an equivalent course, which provides training for healthcare professionals in CPR and the use of an AED. The course must be conducted in person and include a skills examination on a manikin with a certified instructor.”
These rules apply only when the trigger described under each card is met (for example, holding a state-issued controlled substance registration or treating a specific patient population). Each cites the underlying statute or rule directly.
Dentists holding any sedation permit
“must also obtain a minimum of four (4) hours of continuing education in the subject of anesthesia and/or sedation”
Credit must come from an organization accredited by the ACCME, AMA, Tennessee Medical Association, or AAFP. ACGME residency or fellowship time accrues toward the requirement. Teaching or presenting accredited CME can satisfy a portion of required hours.
| Credit system | Notes |
|---|---|
ADA CERP | ADA CERP-recognized providers accepted (board-approved framework).Sourcehttps://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/tennessee/Tenn-Comp-R-Regs-0460-01-.05[2] |
AGD PACE | AGD PACE-approved providers accepted.Sourcehttps://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/tennessee/Tenn-Comp-R-Regs-0460-01-.05[2] |
Board-approved credit | Board-approved courses per Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0460-01.Sourcehttps://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/tennessee/Tenn-Comp-R-Regs-0460-01-.05[2] |
Documentation must be retained for three years; the same course cannot be counted twice.
New licensees are exempt during their initial two-year cycle.
Atlas CME tracks your hours, maps them to your state requirements, and reminds you before your the calendar year renewal.
Every mandatory topic and conditional requirement above cites the underlying statute or rule. Numbered references below correspond to the bracketed citations next to each requirement.
“hours of the forty (40) hour requirement shall pertain to chemical dependency education”Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0460-01-.05(1)(a)
“successful completion of a BLS for Healthcare Providers, or CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, or an equivalent course, which provides training for healthcare professionals in CPR and the use of an AED. The course must be conducted in person and include a skills examination on a manikin with a certified instructor.”Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0460-01-.05(4)
“must also obtain a minimum of four (4) hours of continuing education in the subject of anesthesia and/or sedation”Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0460-01-.05(1)(a)